Species Overview: Werewolf

A werewolf is a human being who becomes a fearsome and deadly near-wolf during a full moon. Werewolves can be easily distinguished from regular wolves by their shorter snout, more human-like eyes, tufted tail, and mindless hunting of humans while in wolf form. When it is not the full moon, however, they appear as normal human beings, though they tend to age prematurely and will gain a pallor as the moon approaches and wanes. This condition is caused by infection with lycanthropy.

A werewolf cannot choose whether or not to transform and will no longer remember themselves, even killing their best friend given the opportunity once transformed. Despite this, once they revert back into their human form, they are able to recall everything they experience throughout their transformation. The infection is spread through contact between saliva and blood. Most Muggles die from the extent of their injuries in the instance of a werewolf attack. Any bite or scratch obtained from a werewolf, whether in human or animal form, will leave permanent scars. A mixture of powdered silver and dittany applied to a fresh bite will seal the wound and allow the victim to live on as a werewolf, although tragic tales are told of witches and wizards begging for death rather than becoming werewolves. The Wolfsbane Potion allows werewolves to retain their humanity when they transform, but they still harm themselves when alone.